Perform the installation
Do the following steps in order.
Step 1: Check for software updates
Before you install Windows, install all macOS updates. On your Mac, log in as an administrator, quit all open apps, then log out any other users.
Choose Apple menu > System Settings, click General in the sidebar, then click Software Update on the right. (You may need to scroll down.)
Install all available macOS updates.
If your Mac restarts after installing an update, open Software Update again to install any additional updates.
Step 2: Prepare your Mac for Windows
Boot Camp Assistant prepares your Mac by creating a new partition for Windows named BOOTCAMP and downloading the Boot Camp support software.
Important: If youre using a Mac notebook computer, connect it to a power source before continuing.
How to install Windows 10 on iMac (Early 2009) using Boot Camp
Download Windows support software for iMac (Early 2009) from Apple
Boot Camp Assistant guide for iMac (Early 2009) with Intel processor
Format external USB drive as MS-DOS (FAT) for Boot Camp installation
Windows 10 disc image (ISO file) download for Boot Camp
Back up files before installing Windows on iMac (Early 2009)
Create a new partition for Windows named BOOTCAMP on iMac (Early 2009)
Restart your Mac and choose Windows as the startup disk
Install the Boot Camp support software (Windows drivers) on iMac (Early 2009)
Troubleshoot issues with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, audio, or camera in Windows on iMac (Early 2009)
Update your AMD graphics drivers for Windows on iMac (Early 2009)
Adjust the brightness of your built-in display in Windows on iMac (Early 2009)
Force Touch trackpad features in Windows on iMac (Early 2009)
Use Apple Software Update to keep your Windows support software up to date
Uninstall Windows from your iMac (Early 2009) using Boot Camp Assistant
Switch between macOS and Windows on your iMac (Early 2009)
Use an Apple keyboard, mouse, or trackpad in Windows on iMac (Early 2009)
Connect a printer or scanner to your iMac (Early 2009) in Windows
Use iCloud Drive, Photos, Mail, and other Apple services in Windows on iMac (Early 2009)
Install antivirus software and firewall for Windows on iMac (Early 2009)
Enable or disable Secure Boot and External Boot on iMac (Early 2009) with T2 chip
Use Touch ID to unlock your iMac (Early 2009) in Windows
Use AirPods, Beats, or other Bluetooth headphones in Windows on iMac (Early 2009)
Use an external monitor or projector with your iMac (Early 2009) in Windows
Use Siri and Cortana voice assistants in Windows on iMac (Early 2009)
Use FaceTime HD camera and microphone in Windows on iMac (Early 2009)
Use Apple Pencil with your iMac (Early 2009) in Windows
Use Sidecar to extend or mirror your iMac (Early 2009) screen in Windows
Use Continuity features like Handoff, Universal Clipboard, and AirDrop in Windows on iMac (Early 2009)
Use FileVault to encrypt your Windows partition on iMac (Early 2009)
Use Time Machine to restore your Windows files on iMac (Early 2009)
Use Disk Utility to repair your Windows partition on iMac (Early 2009)
Use Activity Monitor to check the performance of your iMac (Early 2009) in Windows
Use System Preferences to customize your iMac (Early 2009) settings in Windows
Use Boot Camp Control Panel to change your startup disk or keyboard layout in Windows
Use Remote Desktop to access your iMac (Early 2009) from another device in Windows
Use Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion to run Windows apps on your iMac (Early 2009) without rebooting
Use VirtualBox or Hyper-V to create a virtual machine with Windows on your iMac (Early 2009)
Use Wine or CrossOver to run Windows apps on your iMac (Early 2009) without installing Windows
Use Steam or Epic Games Store to play Windows games on your iMac (Early 2009)
Connect an external USB drive or insert a flash drive into the USB port on your Mac; keep it connected or inserted while you install Windows and the Windows support software.
On your Mac, open Boot Camp Assistant , located in /Applications/Utilities.
At the introduction screen, click Continue. The system is checked for total available disk space. Older Time Machine snapshots and cached iCloud files are removed to make space for Boot Camp.
Select only the option to Download the latest Windows support software from Apple and click Continue.
Select your external USB drive as the destination where you want to install the support software and click Continue.
The Boot Camp support software is downloaded and saved to your external USB drive. When its done, quit Boot Camp Assistant.
Step 3: Install Windows
Make sure that your external USB drive is still connected or inserted.
Restart your Mac and hold down the Option key until you see the Startup Manager screen.
Select the USB drive (it may have a different name, such as EFI Boot or Windows) and press Return to start up from it.
The Boot Camp installer opens. Follow the onscreen instructions to install Windows and the Boot Camp drivers. When prompted to allow changes, click Yes.
Your Mac may restart several times during the installation process. If youre asked where you want to install Windows, select the BOOTCAMP partition, then click Format. In most cases, the installer selects and formats the BOOTCAMP partition automatically.
After Windows is installed, follow any prompts to set it up. You can also choose how to boot your Mac: from macOS or Windows.
Congratulations!
You have successfully installed Windows 10 on your iMac (Early 2009) using Boot Camp. You can now enjoy the benefits of both operating systems on your Mac.
For more information on how to use Boot Camp, see the Apple Support article Use Windows 10 on your Mac with Boot Camp.
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